The Contest 43 is a quintessential example of the Dutch "bulletproof" philosophy in yacht building. Launched in the late 1980s and designed by the prolific Dick Zaal, this model represents a bridge between the classic heavy-displacement era and the more modern performance-cruising requirements of the late 20th century. Built by Conyplex in Medemblik, the 43 was engineered to provide a safe, stable platform for circumnavigation while maintaining the high-gloss aesthetic and craftsmanship for which the shipyard is renowned. Unlike many of its mass-produced contemporaries, the Contest 43 utilized a robust GRP hull construction that offered the structural rigidity essential for high-latitude sailing or long-term tropical exposure. The model was so successful that it eventually evolved into the Contest 44, which utilized a similar hull form but updated the deck layout and interior styling to meet changing market demands.
Contest 43 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Contest
- Model
- 43
- Builder
- Contest Yachts - Conyplex
- Designer
- Dick Zaal
- Number Built
- 52
- Production Year(s)
- 1989 - 1996
Below are the most recent Contest 43 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date |
|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | 1 | $193,367 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | $193,231 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | $193,231 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | $187,624 |
| Apr 2026 | 3 | $193,231 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
Price Reduction Insights
100.0% of listings have had price reductions
Average discount: 16.1% off original price
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLOCUM 43 | 42.5' | $124,500 | 26 | 6 |
| Dufour Classic 43 | 43' | $98,660 | 25 | 14 |
| Nauticat 43 | 42.67' | $149,616 | 21 | 11 |
| Contest 38s | 38' | $66,580 | 20 | 6 |
| Hans Christian 43 | 42.62' | $199,900 | 17 | 2 |
| Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 | 42.75' | $95,437 | 16 | 5 |
| Swan 43 | 42.78' | $120,249 | 14 | 6 |
| Contest 33 | 32.25' | $22,735 | 9 | 6 |
| Contest 40 S | 39.67' | $187,340 | 9 | 3 |
| Baltic 43 | 43.34' | $147,280 | 9 | 5 |
| Contest 43 | $193,231 | 7 | 4 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | $193,231 | 5 | 3 |
| Spain | $187,624 | 1 | 1 |
| United Kingdom | $193,367 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Contest 43 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Contest 43 over the past 12 months is $193,231. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Contest 43 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 7 Contest 43 listings over the past 12 months, with 4 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Contest 43 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Contest 43 has remained stable over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Contest 43?
- Spain currently has the lowest median asking price at $187,624, while United Kingdom is the most expensive at $193,367 — a 3% difference.
- Do Contest 43 listings get price reductions?
- About 100% of Contest 43 listings have had their price reduced, with an average discount of 16.1% off the original asking price.
- What are similar sailboats to the Contest 43?
- Comparable models include the SLOCUM 43, Dufour Classic 43, Nauticat 43. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.